Can I Provide Annuity Payments to My Heirs After I Die?

You may be able to provide income payments to your heirs for the rest of their lives through the use of a stretch annuity. A stretch annuity (also known as a legacy annuity) makes lifetime payments to the beneficiary you name in your deferred annuity contract if you die before the annuity start date (e.g., before you begin receiving regular annuity payments).

According to the rules regarding distribution of deferred annuity death proceeds, an annuity beneficiary other than the surviving spouse must receive the annuity proceeds within one year from the date of death. Often, the beneficiary will elect to receive the proceeds in a lump sum, subjecting all of the annuity’s accumulated interest to income tax, significantly reducing the value of the beneficiary’s proceeds. A better option might be to allow the annuity’s death benefit to be paid over a number of years, in which case only a portion of each payment is subject to income tax and the balance of the annuity can continue to grow tax deferred.

Generally, most annuity issuers allow the beneficiary to elect how the proceeds are to be distributed. However, some issuers allow the annuity owner to determine how the annuity’s proceeds are to be distributed. In either case, in addition to the lump sum payment, most issuers allow the proceeds of a nonqualified annuity to be distributed:

• Over a period not to exceed 5 years
• Annuitized over a period no longer than the beneficiary’s life expectancy, including a period certain, such as 10 years
• As scheduled withdrawals based on the beneficiary’s life expectancy according to the IRS life expectancy table

A stretch annuity may be most appropriate:

• For beneficiaries in a high income tax bracket who would pay substantial income tax on annuity earnings if received in a lump sum
• For beneficiaries who may be spendthrifts and might be better served by receiving systematic payments as opposed to a large, lump sum of money

If you have annuity questions, contact the experts at Henssler Financial: 770-429-9166 or experts@henssler.com.

Disclosures:

The following information is reprinted with permission from Forefield, a division of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. All material presented is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and current, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The contents are intended for general information purposes only. Information provided should not be the sole basis in making any decisions and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional, such as a tax consultant, insurance adviser or attorney. Although this material is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with respect to the subject matter, it may not apply in all situations. Readers are urged to consult with their adviser concerning specific situations and questions. This is not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell any financial instruments. It is not our intention to state, indicate or imply in any manner that current or past results are indicative of future profitability or expectations. As with all investments, there are associated inherent risks. Please obtain and review all financial material carefully before investing.